India
BRICS Summit Logo Combines Lotus and 'Namaste' to Symbolize Unity Among Member Nations
As the BRICS Summit opens in New Delhi, attention has turned to the official logo representing the host nation, India. The emblem, a multi-coloured lotus with a 'namaste' gesture embedded at its centre, was selected through a public design competition and formally unveiled by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on January 13 this year.
The design was created to merge Indian cultural traditions with a modern aesthetic, while also symbolising the shared strength of BRICS member countries. The opening ceremony of the summit took place on Friday, with the main leaders' conclave scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.
Explaining the symbolism behind the logo, officials noted that the central 'namaste' motif reflects India's values of warmth, inclusivity, respect, and collaborative spirit. The lotus shape, representing India's national flower, signifies resilience and harmony. The colourful petals surrounding the centre represent the flags and identities of all BRICS member nations, symbolising diversity, equality, and collective unity within the expanded grouping. Overall, the design is meant to reflect the BRICS vision of cooperation, sustainable development, and global harmony.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a packed schedule on Friday as world leaders began arriving in the capital. Russian President Vladimir Putin was among the first major dignitaries to land, arriving at the Palam Air Force base shortly after midnight ahead of a scheduled bilateral meeting with Modi. Other leaders set to meet with the Indian Prime Minister include United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
In preparation for the summit, Delhi has implemented extensive security measures. Authorities deployed nearly 30,000 personnel, including 15,000 city police officers and 200 companies of paramilitary forces. Anti-drone systems have been installed at roughly 14 strategic locations across central, south, and southwest Delhi, covering key sites such as the summit venue, Bharat Mandapam, and nine hotels hosting foreign dignitaries.
These aerial surveillance systems are intended to monitor flight paths connecting Indira Gandhi International Airport and the Palam airbase with hotels, the summit venue, and other sensitive areas, according to senior police officials. Additional preparations included emergency response planning, decoration of public spaces, and efforts to clear stray animals from key routes across the city.